Dehydrators are a great way to preserve your favorite food and ingredients, extending their shelf life greatly and allowing them to be used in a number of unique ways. They make a great addition to any kitchen, as long as you’re willing to take the time to learn about using them properly
When you’re choosing a dehydrator for your kitchen, it’s important to pick one that meets your specific needs. Before you make your final choice, consider some of the following properties:
This 400-watt food dehydrator is perfect for anyone who wants to make their own dried foods. This machine gives you all the flexibility needed with the six height-adjusting, stackable trays, the temperature adjustment option, and a timer from half an hour to 72 hours!
This dehydrator offers a clear lid to easily peek in on your food as it’s drying out. It also has a 48-hour timer with auto shutoff, so you can adjust it to cook as long as any food needs.
This 600-watt dehydrator comes with four stackable trays but can be expanded to twelve trays, making it a great option if the amount of food you’re drying varies. The design also allows for even heat distribution, providing even cooking for all your foods.
If you hate how loud dehydrators can be, this machine is a perfect choice for you. The sound emitted comes in at a low 47dB, meaning it’s very quiet, so it won’t disturb you while you’re sleeping or simply watching television.
If you primarily dry fruits and vegetables, this compact dehydrator would make a great addition to your kitchen. The 240-watt machine comes with either a knob control or an electric panel control, and both are designed to be simple to use.
This 400-watt dehydrator comes in silver or red to match your kitchen. The eight trays are dishwasher safe and will help you cook large batches of dried food at one time!
A: All the machines on our list boast different wattage levels, and it’s important to understand what the difference between them is. The lower the wattage, the less energy the dehydrator will use. However, the less energy used, the longer the machine will take to dehydrate your food fully. In contrast, the higher wattages will use more energy but likely work quicker.
A: One of the most important things to do for your food is to make sure your food is cut into uniform pieces. This step will help make sure your food dehydrates in the same amount of time and to the same consistency. It’s also important to note that some foods require pretreatment, such as blanching, soaking, or cooking first. Make sure you research the steps for your food of choice to ensure proper dehydrating steps.